Wu, Fang, Jia, Junwen, Li, Cheng and Cui, Xuefeng
2026.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of global vegetation growth synchrony: Analysis from complex network.
Global and Planetary Change
265
, 105603.
10.1016/j.gloplacha.2026.105603
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Abstract
Terrestrial vegetation plays a crucial role in regulating earth system processes. Spatial synchrony, a fundamental feature of vegetation dynamics, quantifies the degree to which vegetation growth fluctuates coherently across space and can provide important information on environmental stress and ecosystem stability. Despite recognition of spatiotemporal variability of growth synchrony among species and regions, the detailed global patterns and temporal dynamics remain poorly understood. This study integrated satellite-based vegetation index (1982–2022) with complex network analysis to systematically quantify global spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation growth synchrony. Macro-scale network metrics revealed that global vegetation growth synchrony transitioned to a more modular, less cohesive, and more fragmented structure from 1982 to 2001 to 2002–2021. Synchrony hubs shifted from the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere to the Indian subcontinent and southern China. Spatial autocorrelation analysis identified two hotspot regions, central and northeastern North America (CNENA) and southeastern China (SECN), which exhibited substantial changes in network degree fields. CNENA functioned as a major hub in 1982–2001, with strong internal connectivity and prominent teleconnections to central Eurasia, both of which declined substantially by 2002–2021. SECN emerged as a key hub in the later period, characterized by intensified internal cohesion and strengthened teleconnections, particularly with the Indian subcontinent. We discuss potential drivers underlying these divergent trajectories, suggesting that shifting climate teleconnections, regional climate change, and large-scale human interventions may play major roles. Our findings provide a global assessment of vegetation growth synchrony dynamics, offering new insights for ecosystem monitoring and adaptive management amid increasing climate change and human activities.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > Earth and Environmental Sciences |
| Additional Information: | RRS policy applied |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 0921-8181 |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 1 September 2026 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 30 June 2026 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Sep 2026 10:45 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187924 |
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